This week’s Monday Live! session dove deep into the concept of IT/OT convergence, exploring how software is becoming the driving force behind a more integrated and intelligent built environment. The discussion centered around the evolving role of software in bridging the gap between information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) in buildings.
Key Takeaways:
- Software is the key to convergence: Modern software’s increasing power and flexibility allow it to interpret and translate data from disparate systems, effectively “eating” the building by creating a unified, intelligent ecosystem.
- Open software is essential: Open-source tools and collaborative development accelerate innovation and enable the creation of interoperable solutions that can adapt to the evolving needs of the building industry.
- Data standards are crucial: Standardized data structures facilitate seamless data exchange and enable advanced analytics, including AI and machine learning, to optimize building performance.
- The digital twin as an enabler: The digital twin concept is evolving from a visualization tool to a dynamic platform that can drive real-time building operations and facilitate data-driven decision-making.
- The role of leadership: Strong leadership with a financial commitment is needed to champion open software, support pilot projects, and drive the adoption of new technologies and best practices.
“We need to teach the software to understand the unique attributes of the different systems… the focus has always been oh my God we got to normalize all these different packets at the wire and it’s like or use the power of processors and the evolution of software to go ahead and just learn how to interpret the different systems as they are.”
This quote highlights the shift in thinking from trying to force disparate systems to speak the same language to leveraging software’s ability to interpret and translate data from various sources.
The Four Pillars of IT/OT Convergence:
The session outlined four key areas where IT/OT convergence is driven by software:
- Infrastructure: This involves unifying IT networks while accommodating OT protocols, leveraging cloud and edge computing for real-time data processing and analytics, and establishing cross-domain interoperability standards.
- Data and Analytics: This focuses on integrating data from various sources, applying AI and machine learning for insights, and developing advanced energy management systems.
- Control and Security: This encompasses automating control sequences, converging IT and OT security practices, and ensuring holistic cybersecurity for both physical networks and devices.
- Experience and Sustainability: This involves creating user-friendly interfaces that combine the best of IT and OT design principles and ensuring the long-term sustainability of technology choices.
Call to Action:
The discussion emphasized the need for continued collaboration among building owners, operators, and technology providers to define open standards, develop interoperable solutions, and drive the adoption of best practices that will shape the future of the smart building industry. By embracing the power of open software and working together, we can create a more intelligent, efficient, and sustainable built environment.
This article was composed on Monday Live! Session from Nov 25, 2024, with the assistance of Google Gemini AI
